Sauvella's origins lie in the convergence of geology, enology, and the pursuit of freedom and values. Our Dutch family settled in the Pyrenees and started reviving a lost, two-thousand-year-old winemaking culture.
Origins: Passion for Geology
We first got to know the Pallars region when Peter Nagtegaal explored its geology at the end of the fifties, driving his motorcycle from The Netherlands to study the local rocks. Later he brought his girlfriend Lia along. After they married, they returned almost every summer with their two little boys. To them these holidays were paradise: breathtaking sceneries, lakes, rivers and warm-hearted people. Hiking with his dad, the eldest son Jeroen also developed an interest in geology.
Next Generation: From Geology to Wine
Jeroen studied geology in Amsterdam and graduated just as oil prices plummeted and oil companies stopped hiring geologists. He broadened his scope with a master in Environmental Management in Utrecht.
Learning the Craft
Four years of office work left Jeroen missing the outdoors and entrepreneurship. Although vineyards had all but disappeared from the Pallars, the region had produced wine for perhaps thousands of years. He left for Catalonia, working on the floor at the Torres winery in Penedès, then moved to Laguardia in Rioja for a master in Oenology while working at Remirez de Ganuza — learning above all what excellent quality means.
Return to the Land
Peter and Lia retired and settled in Orcau, a village renowned for its rich geology and strong wines. Together with Jeroen they planted their first vineyard in 2004 and ran their first fermentations in the old cellar below the house. Sauvella was born. Today we grow nine grape varieties on 5.5 hectares, having evolved from organic to regenerative and natural. In 2023 we lost Lia — co-founder, our great supporter, and gastronomic heart. Her memory lives on in all of us.
Looking Forward: Legacy and Innovation
We are proud to be releasing our select range of wines — wines that have kept improving throughout the years, wines that are showing excellence. We welcome you to taste our wines, share them with friends, and be part of the continuation of the story.
